Goal: Prioritize the safety of workers in meat-processing plants during coronavirus.

An executive order was signed to keep meat-processing plants operating, despite that they have become hotspots for Covid-19 infection. At least 20 workers in meat and food processing have died and around 5,000 have tested positive or been forced to self-quarantine.

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act which gives government power to direct industrial production during a crisis. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, along with other unions, labor and health advocates called on major meat-processing plants to take immediate action to protect workers in fear that the executive order does not address their safety. One of the country’s largest pork-producing plants in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, closed after nearly 300 of its employees tested positive for the virus.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said “People should never be expected to put their lives at risk by going to work.” Sign below to demand President Trump prioritize the safety of meat production workers over keeping processing plants open in order to slow the spread of coronavirus.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Trump,

Thousands of meat production workers have tested positive for coronavirus. Employees should have the option of choosing to self-quarantine without fear of losing employment.

I understand that food supply is very important, particularly during the spread of Covid-19. However, the lives of our valuable workers are at risk. I demand that you prioritize the health of meat production employees over keeping processing plants open in order to slow the spread of coronavirus.